At least 10 dead, 20,000 evacuated as fires tear through Northern California

(Image credit: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images)

last updated 10 October 2017

Authorities say at least 10 people have died and more than 1,500 structures have been destroyed as at least 14 fires rage across eight counties in Northern California.

Tens of thousands of residents have evacuated from their homes in Napa, Sonoma, Yuba, Mendocino, and other counties north of San Francisco. Combined, five of the largest fires have burned more than 70,000 acres, and entire subdivisions, like Coffey Park in Santa Rosa, have burned to the ground.

While there was a substantial amount of rain last winter, the vegetation in the area is still dry due to the years-long drought. The flames are moving swiftly, thanks to high winds, warm temperatures, and low humidity, and the smoke is reaching San Francisco and San Jose. Many of the fires started Sunday night, and officials are investigating what caused them.